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Old Aug 31, 2010 | 02:37 PM
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Default Valvespring Suggestions

I have the following setup:

97 LS1 ~130K miles
1.8 YT rockers
Just added a vortech V2 supercharger.


I'm currently running on stock valve springs. Been running them for about 10000 miles without any significant noticeable problems. Early dyno runs showed valve float above 5000 rpm, but otherwise they seem to be working.

I'm worried that they're the weakest link in the chain at the moment and would like to upgade them. I would appreciate any suggestions (both brand/model and vendor)
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Old Aug 31, 2010 | 02:41 PM
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What cam?
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Old Aug 31, 2010 | 02:45 PM
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Not sure why you would run 1.8's on stock springs, especially since float was detected above 5K RPM.

Does Vortech have a recommended seat value?
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Old Aug 31, 2010 | 03:25 PM
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you would need ls6 springs at the very least if you are running a stock cam. the 1.8 rockers with a stock ls1 cam give the same valve lift as a stock ls6. id get something aftermarket though. i see too many threads about broken ls6 springs.
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Old Aug 31, 2010 | 04:25 PM
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I would recommend some Patriot Dual Springs.

http://hinsonsupercars.com/s-297-valvesprings.aspx

Seth
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Old Aug 31, 2010 | 04:48 PM
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Assuming you are going to keep the rev limiter at the factory settings I would consider some PAC 1218s as a minimum and the PAC 1518s would be better. New springs and some upgraded push rods and you're set to go.
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Old Aug 31, 2010 | 10:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Last C5
Assuming you are going to keep the rev limiter at the factory settings I would consider some PAC 1218s as a minimum and the PAC 1518s would be better. New springs and some upgraded push rods and you're set to go.
This is what you should install. The 1215's will work very well with the rockers and boost. Just check the install hieght when installing them. The 1518's will work as well and give you plenty of room for a blower cam down the road as they are good for around .650 lift.

No need for a heavy duel spring to rob horse power on your setup.
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Old Aug 31, 2010 | 11:08 PM
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Originally Posted by HinsonSuperCars
I would recommend some Patriot Dual Springs.

http://hinsonsupercars.com/s-297-valvesprings.aspx

Seth
I would disagree with the Patriot's in the past few years there products have really gone down hill, so much that big shops have stopped carrying there Springs or using them in cam swaps. And both my buddy's have broken there Patriot Gold Extreme's and have switched to Precision Race Component which is a very good Valve Spring.
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Old Sep 1, 2010 | 01:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Eric D
What cam?
Stock 97 cam.
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Old Sep 1, 2010 | 03:33 AM
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Originally Posted by HinsonSuperCars
I would recommend some Patriot Dual Springs.

http://hinsonsupercars.com/s-297-valvesprings.aspx

Seth
Not to side track ... but what springs would you recommend for a stock 2002 LS6 as a direct replacement for the OEM springs?
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Old Sep 1, 2010 | 06:38 AM
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Originally Posted by ZeeOSix
Not to side track ... but what springs would you recommend for a stock 2002 LS6 as a direct replacement for the OEM springs?
I would do PAC 1215's. They set up slightly higher on the seat then the stock LS6 spring and are an excellent spring.
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Old Sep 1, 2010 | 07:10 AM
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Pac 1518
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Old Sep 1, 2010 | 08:21 AM
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1215's will work good if he doesn't add a cam.
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Old Sep 1, 2010 | 08:40 AM
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Originally Posted by theradioflyer
Stock 97 cam.
Seeing you have a stock cam, and with your 1.8 rockers, I would suggest using new LS6 stock springs, part number 12586484. This spring is good up to .552 of valve opening. Your stock 1997 cam with the stock rocker ratio of 1.6 has .479 exhaust and .472 intake lift. With the 1.8 rocker and your stock cam you increase lift to .538 exhaust and .532 intake. Close force would be ~90 lbf. Valve open would be ~285 lbf.
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Old Sep 1, 2010 | 10:16 AM
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aside from total lift capacity, is there any difference between the Pac 1518 and Pac 1215 springs (other than price?)
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Old Sep 1, 2010 | 10:31 AM
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Originally Posted by theradioflyer
aside from total lift capacity, is there any difference between the Pac 1518 and Pac 1215 springs (other than price?)
1215 is designed for .600 lift and 1518 for .650 lift. You don't have that much lift. Short of shimming springs you stand more of a chance of early valve float going with a spring designed for a higher lift cam compared to the stock LS6. Best of luck!
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Old Sep 1, 2010 | 10:38 AM
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OD: 1.290"
130 lbs @ 1.800"
337 lbs @ 1.150"
Lift: 0.650"


OD: 1.290"
130 lbs @ 1.800"
337 lbs @ 1.150"
Lift: 0.650"


They read the same, the 1518 is nitrided. We keep the 1518 in stock.

Last edited by 99blancoss; Sep 1, 2010 at 10:43 AM.
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Old Sep 1, 2010 | 11:19 AM
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The 1518 is a nitrided spring that is vertualy indestructible.
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Old Sep 1, 2010 | 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Eric D
Seeing you have a stock cam, and with your 1.8 rockers, I would suggest using new LS6 stock springs, part number 12586484. This spring is good up to .552 of valve opening. Your stock 1997 cam with the stock rocker ratio of 1.6 has .479 exhaust and .472 intake lift. With the 1.8 rocker and your stock cam you increase lift to .538 exhaust and .532 intake. Close force would be ~90 lbf. Valve open would be ~285 lbf.
Ok maybe the LS6 springs would be fine if he only had 1.8 rockers. But what about the 1.8 rockers plus the pressures added from the boost?
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Old Sep 1, 2010 | 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by willyfastz
Ok maybe the LS6 springs would be fine if he only had 1.8 rockers. But what about the 1.8 rockers plus the pressures added from the boost?
Are you saying that increased intake pressure from boost can push the valve off it's seat?
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